Tourists are rushing to climb Uluru before it is banned on October 26, causing traffic problems on the rock and polluting its surrounding parklands. uluru climbing

Queues of tourists snaking up to the top of the sandstone rock have been photographed in recent weeks as up to 500 travellers arrive daily. They are keen to walk to the top of the central Australian landmark before the climbing ban begins on October 26.

The decision to ban climbing on Uluru came after it was found that less than 20 percent of people visiting the park were making the climb, down from more than 70 percent in previous decades.

Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it was previously known, is sacred to indigenous Australians and is thought to have started forming about 550 million years ago.

Uluru’s cultural and religious significance to the Anangu people relates to Tjukurpa, a word for their creation beliefs and law, which outweighs economic considerations.

The Anangu traditional land owners and Alice Springs locals say tourists are leaving rubbish bins overflowing, illegally dumping human waste from caravans along the roadside, and have made Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park the “busiest they’ve seen it”.

About 140 people were climbing the rock each day when the ban decision was made in 2017, but that number has jumped to between 300 and 500 people as the ban deadline approaches.

Although climbing Uluru is no longer permitted, there are still many fascinating and culturally enriching activities available at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here’s a list of things to do when visiting the area:

1. Base Walk Around Uluru

• Uluru Base Walk: This 10.6 km walk around the base of Uluru lets you appreciate its immense size and the different textures and shapes that aren’t visible from a distance. You’ll also encounter sacred sites, ancient rock art, and unique flora and fauna.

2. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

• Valley of the Winds Walk: Just 50 km away from Uluru, Kata Tjuta is a group of large, domed rock formations. The Valley of the Winds walk offers stunning views and an immersive experience in this lesser-known but equally impressive natural wonder.

3. Cultural Experiences

• Cultural Centre: Visit the Cultural Centre to learn more about the Anangu culture, traditions, and their deep spiritual connection to the land. There are displays, workshops, and opportunities to buy authentic indigenous art.
• Guided Tours with the Anangu People: Take guided tours with the traditional owners, who will share insights into the significance of the land, plants, animals, and stories from the Dreamtime.

4. Sunrise and Sunset Viewing

• Talinguru Nyakunytjaku: This purpose-built viewing area offers panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta during sunrise and sunset. Watching Uluru change colors as the light shifts is an unforgettable experience.

5. Field of Light

• Field of Light by Bruce Munro: This art installation, located near the rock, features over 50,000 solar-powered lights illuminating the desert floor, creating a magical and serene landscape at night. It’s a popular experience for visitors seeking something unique and contemporary.

6. Camel Tours

• Uluru Camel Tours: Experience the desert from a different perspective by riding camels around the area. These tours are often scheduled at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views.

7. Helicopter and Scenic Flights

• Scenic Flights: If you want a bird’s eye view of Uluru and the surrounding landscapes, a helicopter or scenic flight is a thrilling way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the area.

8. Stargazing

• Stargazing Tours: The remote location of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers incredibly clear night skies, making it perfect for stargazing. There are guided stargazing experiences where you can learn about the constellations and the significance of the stars in Anangu culture.

9. Dot Painting Workshops

• Dot Painting Workshops: Learn the traditional art of dot painting from local Aboriginal artists, where you’ll be guided through the techniques and the stories behind the art.

10. Bush Tucker Experiences

• Bush Foods and Aboriginal Cuisine: Some tours and experiences offer the chance to taste traditional bush foods and learn about the plants and ingredients that are native to the region.

Uluru and its surroundings offer a rich blend of natural beauty, cultural education, and unique experiences that make for a memorable visit, even without climbing the rock.